Francisco Martinez presenting to Barrio Logan College Institute students
Freshman Francisco “Panchito” Martinez, will be recognized as an Outstanding Youth Volunteer by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Every year, the association acknowledges locals who are working to better San Diego; he is one of 10 honorees to be selected this year.
On campus, Martinez volunteers as a peer leadership consultant for Student Life and Leadership where he is tasked with helping students get involved with the SDSU community. When consulting with campus organizations, he is responsible for team building, conflict resolution and assisting with organization goal setting.
In the San Diego community, Martinez volunteers with the Barrio Logan College Institute, an after school program in San Diego offering college preparation services beginning in third grade. He co-founded and serves as president of the Barrio Logan College Institute’s Executive Director’s Leadership Council, where students learn the characteristics of effective leaders so they can create change in their communities, and prepare the next generation of community leaders.
“Many students talk about how they want to help others, while Panchito lives it and breaths it without the expectation of recognition or accolades,” said Barrio Logan College Institute executive director, Jose Cruz. “He is regularly concerned with whether or not his actions match his values of humility, honesty commitment, inclusion and respect for others while presenting a high level of integrity.”
As a leader
Martinez was accepted to seven colleges including University of California Santa Cruz, and University of San Diego. He opted to attend SDSU so he could continue contributing to the community he grew up in. Diversity and the balance between work, social life and school at SDSU also attracted him.
To Martinez, a leader is “someone who empowers people and mobilizes a group toward a common goal.” He leads with a servant leadership style, which he interprets as "putting the needs of those he serves first."
To build on his leadership, Martinez will continue working with the Barrio Logan College Institute, developing student leadership programs, and hopes to become involved with the Aztec Student Union Board at SDSU.
Martinez will receive his award on National Philanthropy Day, Monday, Nov. 9, at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Philanthropy: Gifts of Time, Talent and Treasure.”
